5 Ways to Keep Your Mental Health Top Priority

I absolutely hate the stigma that comes along with going to therapy [and mental health, overall!] I can’t tell you how much therapy has helped me throughout my life. Sorry to break it to you gals, but life is HARD sometimes. It wasn’t meant to be easy but it definitely can be trying at times. Talking to a therapist has really made a difference in my own mental health journey and helped me overcome things I never thought I could.

Tip: make sure the professional you see is qualified and you do your research before booking an appointment.

Practise Meditation

I use to think meditating was ridiculous. I didn’t think closing your eyes and focussing on breathing would help in any way. I was so wrong. I have been practising meditation for two years, right before I go to sleep, and it has changed my sleeping pattern miraculously. If you are new to meditation, the first step is to find an app or youtube video that you like. My favourite is the headspace app. The voice that walks you through everything is so soothing and perfect to listen to right before falling asleep.

Note: You can meditate at anytime during the day. I prefer before bed as that is when my anxiety is at it’s highest but a lot of my friends do it right when they wake up, too!

Journaling

Four years ago, Nick bought me a journal because he could see that I was struggling with my thoughts and feelings. We decided then that we would pass it back and forth to each other and write down anything we felt on the days we had the journal. We still write in it to this day and it really helps me understand why I may be feeling a certain way and also helps me understand the way Nick feels at certain times as well.

Note: Even if you don’t write in it everyday, it’s good to keep next to your bed for the days you just need to let it all out.

Work-Life Balance

Yes, there is such thing as work-life balance and it’s so important. I think the big thing is to make sure you are truly happy at work. It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut when you have a good paying job even if you don’t love the actual job aspect. Most work places are beginning to understand the importance of mental health and well-being so they will accommodate you in different ways when needed.

While at work, make friends! Talk to co-workers not only at work but try and make plans outside of work as well. Some of my best and closest friends were made through work and I am forever grateful for this.

Do Something for Yourself

Lastly, have ME days. Be selfish every once in a while. In order for us to be our best selves, we have to continue to work on ourself. If that means going to the gym, getting your nails done, or going for dinner with your girlfriends, make it happen! How can you make anyone else happy if you aren’t happy yourself?

It’s so important to continuously work on your mental health not only for you but for your significant other, friends, and family that are there to support you. The worst thing is seeing someone suffer and not knowing how to help them. Sometimes, just sitting next to them or giving them a hug is all that’s needed on one of those tough days. It is a sensitive topic for most people but it needs to be spoken out about more often.

How do you make your mental health a TOP priority? Let me know in the comments below!

[xo] -M

PS. This spring dress is SO cute and under $35! Fits TTS. I’m ordering two more colours because it’s that good!